Historical and Present-Day Fire Regimes

Historical fire regimes have played an important role in shaping the species rich landscapes of the southern Appalachians. Although the montane forests of the southern Appalachians experienced fires less frequently than pine-grasslands in the Piedmont and coastal plains, fires of both natural (lightning) and cultural origins were common before European contact in 1492. The first two sections describe natural and anthropogenic fire regimes in the southern Appalachians before European settlement.

• Frequency of Lightning-Caused Fires
• Anthropogenic Fire Regimes Before European Settlement

Fire regimes following European contact are characterized by distinct eras. Forest fires were frequent during the period of European settlement until an era of fire suppression was initiated in the early 1900s. Fire is now slowly being reintroduced to the southern Appalachian landscape through the use of prescribed fire. Present-day fire regimes also include arson- or lightning-caused wildfires, still relatively common occurrences in this region.

• Fire Regimes Following European Settlement
• Era Fire Suppression
• Re-Introduction of Prescribed Fire
• Present-Day Wildfires